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WAEC expects State Election to be contested by record numbers

THE Western Australian Electoral Commission is reporting a record level of participation in the upcoming State Election.

“Even before the starter’s gun sounded, we had a record 16 registered political parties,” Electoral Commissioner David Kerslake said.

The result compares with the seven parties that contested the last State General Election.

“We now have near enough to 1.6 million electors enrolled to vote 200,000 more than last time, and over 700 candidates have nominated for election, another record,” he said.

The highest number of candidates for the Lower House is 10 in Darling Range, with the smallest being Vasse with four, while the South Metropolitan Region leads the way in the Legislative Council with a total of 58 candidates contesting the six available positions.

With more participation, the Electoral Commission is working to ensure polling places and early voting centres are ready for the start of voting.

Almost 8000 polling officials will be employed on Election Day, Saturday March 11.

Registrations are open for the Commission’s internet voting system (iVote) available to people with disability or incapacity.